NE PSC Team

Julie Diegel is responsible for the development and implementation of a statewide Take-it-Back Nebraska program to provide a network of permanent drop-off locations for recycling electronic equipment and fluorescent lamps. The program targets small businesses and households, and is funded by a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Ms. Diegel recently worked for the Nebraska League of Conservation Voters and co-chaired Lincoln Earth Day 2009. She brings several years of experience from a variety of interests and roles in the community, including Executive Director of Lux Center for the Arts, administrator of a retirement community, and owner of a landscape maintenance company. Diegel has served on several non-profit boards, and is currently President of the board for the Haydon Art Center.

Dan King received a BA (Environmental Studies with emphasis in Biology and Anthropology) from the University of Nebraska (1995) and has completed Masters of Secondary Teaching (MST) graduate work at Doane College (2004). Along with his normal duties, Dan is a first responder for the City Health Department and is trained as a hazardous materials technician. He serves on Lincoln’s Environmental Task Force along with holding board level positions in other environmentally-related local organizations. He was also recently elected to the position of Heartland Chapter President for NAHMMA. Dan has over 10 years of professional experience in the fields of environmental regulatory compliance, policy development, education and natural resource management. Dan is also a Scoutmaster and President of his local neighborhood association. He has been married for 16 years and has a 12 year old son and an 8 year old daughter. He enjoys cycling, camping, and other outdoor activities in his free time.

Gene has served as the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Lincoln Solid Waste Operations from 1987 to present. He has also served on the board of directors of a number of organizations including the Nebraska State Recycling Association, Nebraska Chapter of Solid Waste Association of North America and WasteCap Nebraska.

Mr. Waiss is currently the Environmental Assistance Coordinator for the Waste Compliance Unit in the Waste Management Section of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). The Environmental Assistance Coordinator is tasked with conducting Compliance Assistance Visits (CAVs), providing solid and hazardous waste compliance to businesses, other government agencies, and private citizens, as well as writing and revising the solid and hazardous waste guidance documents available on the NDEQ website.

Mr. Waiss holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geosciences with emphasis in Geology and a Master of Science Degree in Geology with emphasis in Sedimentology and Paleoclimate Change, both from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Mr. Waiss has worked primarily in Nebraska since his graduation, working with several consulting firms since 2005. He earned his Professional Geologist License from the Nebraska State Board of Geologists in 2009. After providing environmental expertise to his clients for several years Mr. Waiss joined NDEQ in 2012.

Tess spearheads PSI’s paint and fluorescent lamp projects, as well as product stewardship initiatives in Massachusetts. Prior to joining PSI, she led research studies as a Project Manager at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy and simultaneously supported the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees as a Fundraising Consultant. Tess earned a Master’s of Public Policy from Duke University where she focused on supply chain sustainability, public-private partnerships, and international development. During her graduate studies she honed her partnership building skills as a Corporate Social Responsibility Intern at UniversalGiving. Before that, Tess’s adventurous spirit led her to spend extensive time in Israel, Madagascar, and Ecuador where she conducted ecological as well as public health research and implemented environmental education programming. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College in Anthropology and Environmental Science and Policy. To let loose she enjoys salsa dancing, live music, cooking, travel, and anything outdoors.